We came here to sit outside with the pup and enjoy the ocean breeze & views -- but sadly the weather had other plans! I highly recommend making a reservation, and it was definitely necessary the day we came since the high wind and rain warnings caused Heart to close all their outdoor seating. This means a lot less availability, but they worked with what they had and despite having to move us a couple times when we first got there, they got us at a nice table by the time we were just starting our tasting. Besides the delicious wine, you need to ORDER THE FOOD from Seaside where their food menu is from! The sliders and arancini were so so delicious. We will be back to pair our wine with this great food again (and hopefully get to sit outdoors next time!). read more

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As a former General Manager of a winery, I understand that every guest interaction is an opportunity to represent a brand, build loyalty, and create a memorable experience. Hospitality is far more than delivering food and wine it is making every guest feel genuinely welcomed, valued, and cared for. When your name carries the legacy of Hearst, those standards should be even higher. The setting at Hearst Ranch Winery in San Simeon is undeniably beautiful. The oceanfront views are spectacular and make it a destination worth visiting. Unfortunately, the hospitality did not match the stunning location. This was our first visit, and sadly, it will more than likely be our last. Throughout our visit, it was evident that some guests received warm, attentive hospitality while others, including us, received only the minimum level of service. Hospitality should never feel selective. We ordered a charcuterie board, and after waiting approximately 30 minutes, I finally asked our server about it. Only then were we informed that we were expected to walk across to the General Store, pick up the board ourselves, and bring it back to the winery. We were also told that the winery kitchen is closed on Mondays and that the host had apparently been confused when taking our order. Had this been communicated at the time of ordering, the misunderstanding and the lengthy wait could have been avoided entirely. The apology we received felt disingenuous and lacked the ownership that transforms a service failure into a positive recovery. Mistakes happen in every hospitality business. What guests remember most is how those mistakes are handled. Hearst Ranch Winery has an extraordinary location and a name synonymous with excellence. I sincerely hope leadership reinforces that every guest deserves the same level of warmth, professionalism, and hospitality from the moment they arrive until the moment they leave. Beautiful views may bring people through the doors, but exceptional hospitality is what brings them back. read more

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Such a beautiful and adorable winery to spend your day at San Simeon. Located on the beach shore of San Simeon was a plus. Once entered the winery you can see the aura of historical site. I loved the decor rustic feeling of the ranch. We did the wine tasting with 5 different kind of wine. Marvelous. We ordered food which was delicious and enjoyed it so much. Jonathan and Renee were excellent. The service was great. We ordered coconut shrimp, chatucurie board, French fries, poke nachos , pulled pork sliders. Wow amazing lunch. For sure we will be back once to visit San Simeon. The view was amazing. The flowers and the settings of the tables and chairs were comfortably arranged. read more

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We wandered in here after our trip to Hearst Castle. Without a reservation the nice hostess was able to get us in pretty quickly. The tasting fee is a little high for this area, but it is waived if you buy two bottles of wine per person. They have food available to order. We had the sliders and they were really good! The food guy was super nice. The outdoor seating areas overlook the beach. It's a beautiful setting. We even witnessed a proposal on the beach. Items for sale inside are overpriced. So is the little shop across the street. I heard their sandwiches are great though. read more

Hearst Ranch Winery - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - San Simeon, California

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What a spot. It sits right on the sand at San Simeon so you get the waves, the pier, and those big eucalyptus trees all in one view. We did a tasting and everything poured was solid, and the inside is cozy too with leather chairs and windows framing the ocean. There is a historic barn on the property and a little shop with wine and gear. It can fill up on a sunny day so get there earlier if you want a front table, but honestly every seat has a view. Such a relaxing afternoon, will be back. read more

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Beautiful winery with the best views!! If you're in the area you should stop by and do a wine tasting. Their outdoor area is right above the beach with unobstructed views of the bay. The wine was delicious and reasonably priced. The service was spot on with everyone being very friendly and accommodating. Thanks for making our honeymoon that much more special! read more

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First time tasting at this beautiful winery in Cambria and became members Highly recommend! Our Sommelier Katie was awesome! Knowledgeable, friendly and kindhearted. Woohooo read more

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We were so excited to bring our family up here to enjoy the delicious wine and beautiful views we've experienced a few times before. Once we had all finished our tasting, we tried to order a bottle of Malbec for the table. We were told we're not allowed to order any wine unless we were a wine club member. This is the first winery I've ever been to that doesn't allow you to buy a bottle to drink at the table. I could understand if it was busy, but there were very few tables full. The wines are still great, but it made for an disappointing overall visit. read more

October 11, 2025 - San Simeon, CA We made same-day reservations and lucked out with an early time slot (11:30). Beforehand, we received a helpful text message letting us know that, due to high winds, umbrellas wouldn't be open and to bring hats or sun protection--much appreciated! Our confirmation email mentioned we could order food to enjoy with our wine tasting. We selected the Seaside@HRW Tasting Room option and placed our online order so it would be ready shortly after our arrival. Upon arrival, we were warmly welcomed by the staff. We began our tasting in the indoor tasting room with the 2024 Three Sisters White Cuvée (delicious!) before being led to our outdoor table. The views at Hearst Ranch Winery are breathtaking--an expansive ocean view that was absolutely stunning. As luck would have it, the wind had died down, making it a perfect afternoon for a seaside lunch and wine tasting. We enjoyed the "Legacy Tasting." As wine club members, our tasting was complimentary. The flight included the 2022 GSM, 2022 Saunders Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 2022 Lone Tree Cabernet Franc, and 2022 Pancho Petit Verdot. Our wine server, Teresa, was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about each wine. We had a wonderful tasting experience overall. Tip: Make a reservation before you go! As we were leaving, I overheard the hostess tell a caller that they were fully booked for the day. read more

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The only seaside wine tasting in California. Tremendous views, excellent wines, and stellar personal service. Sue our server was attentive and informative. We will definitely return and bring our family and friends. read more

What a beautiful place! All the staff so nice and knowledgeable. We sat at a great table right above the water. The umbrella was perfect. We ate a sandwich that we ordered from Sebastian's across the street. Not very crowded and we weren't hurried. Did some bird watching. Oh and tasted some excellent red wines. read more

Hearst Ranch Winery - there's the castle - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - San Simeon, California

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The atmosphere is really high end. Very fancy and perfect for parties and receptions. The servers were super nice and very personable. A few friends had salmon cakes and burgers and loved them. The rest of us brought our food over from Sebastian's. I highly recommend this for special occasions. read more

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After taking a tour at Heart Castle we came here for lunch and wine tasting. What a lovely place. Breathtaking views and delicious food & wine in one place. Friendly and welcoming staff. We were seated right away. We started with wine tasting then ordered food to enjoy with wine. We got the beef sliders that were so flavorful and delicious. The fries were as amazing. The sardine platter was beautifully put together which I absolutely love. I enjoyed sharing the platter with my husband. And a slider with fries of course. .... My favorite wine was the rose so we had to take two bottles home with us. The views here are unbeatable. You can see the pier as well and lots of beautiful flowers all around. The ocean breeze makes everything even better. And the sound just amazing. We had a wonderful time here and can't wait to come back again ...a must stop when in the area. read more

The wine tasting is fine and the environment is great! Unfortunately the payment system forces you to pay minimum 18% without option of customer's. The tip calculation is based on your wine purchase, not the wine tasting price, which is less than the purchase cost. California's hospitality is crazy to collect the tips from visitors and customers without providing better services. read more

Great beach front winery Ambience: very modern styling. Indoor bar and seating. Outdoor tables and seating over looking the beach. The building looks like an old barn. Service: The hostess at the entrance was excellent. We did a walk in as I had trouble booking online. We waited 30 minutes on a weekday. The lady serving us was nice, but seemed to chat more with the club members and was a bit slow on the pouring. Drinks: the wine was excellent, Pros: - They allowed our children to bring in their sandwiches that we bought at the little store on site. - Beach front - Clean bathrooms - Lots of room to roam around Cons: - slow servings - Cold outside - recommend bringing a blanket as we did or that they have loaner blankets or heaters - would be nice to have a beach access spot - Pricey tasting few or you need to buy 2 bottles that range in the $30's All in all nice location they did have a power outage but still able to pay. read more

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Very pretentious. Have been coming here for 8 plus years. Supported them even during the fires when ash was raining down. Now they charge $35 or $50 for tasting. Yikes! Also you cannot buy a bottle to sit at their ocean front outlook. Wishing them luck with their napa-style pretentious business model! read more

STUNNING VIEWS and STELLAR service. Outdoor seating is so wonderful and calming. It's such a vibe, especially if you just finished a tour and need a little break to just digest the history and beauty. We tried out two flights, one of each tasting offered (red and white) and both were great and honestly way better than I expected. The food is from the neighboring business but they do have service. Food was great, I loved the ceviche plate and my partner found the burger to be delicious. Not sure why it was cut into quarters but again, they are not exactly affiliated. For sure a stop every time we're in the area!! Suggest making a reservation to avoid the wait. Parking is a little competitive so keep that in mind. read more

Peaceful scenic winery on the beach in San Simeon. This newly renovated winery has great beachy vibes and is a must visit on the central coast. Their unique wines are some of our favorites . We love the Chardonnays especially the proprietor blend with a touch of oak finish. The pinots are amazing along with the GSM blends you can enjoy with the tasty food from Sebastions across the street read more

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The winery is located in a beautiful location over looking the water and is worth a stop for the views alone. The gentleman who lead us through our tastings was helpful, personable and fun. The ladies inside were less friendly, mixed up our bottle orders, and weren't clear in sharing how food orders were taken, but that's okay as everything was sorted out in the end. Note - if ordering food - go to the market/deli across the street (or order online in advance). Pick up your order before your tasting reservation and bring it into the winery with you. The "no outside food" signs don't apply to orders from the market. I'll definitely make a return visit when in the area again. read more

We were very disappointed with our wine tasting experience at Hearst Winery in San Simeon. The tasting cost $45 and included one white and four reds, but each pour was extremely small--roughly about one ounce per taste. For the price, we would have been far better off purchasing a bottle of wine PER person instead of doing the tasting. We've done many tastings at boutique wineries throughout the region and have consistently walked away feeling the experience was generous, enjoyable, and worth the cost. Unfortunately, that was not the case here. We decided to try Hearst Winery because we had just visited Hearst Castle and thought it would be a nice addition to our day. However, we would not recommend the tasting. Overall, the tasting experience was simply not worth the cost, and we would not return for a tasting again. read more

Hearst Ranch Winery - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - San Simeon, California

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On a recent getaway trip, I visited the Hearst Ranch Winery and I had a wonderful experience. The weather was sunny and pleasant, the ocean views were fantastic and the service was excellent. Our group bought food on the property and my meatloaf sandwich was delicious, with generous portions. The wines I sampled were all very nice and I bought two bottles. Our server was knowledgeable and engaging. I highly recommend a visit to enjoy the beautiful scenery, good food and excellent wines. The picnic area is mostly shaded with lovely trees and is a perfect escape to relax, feel a fresh breeze, laugh with someone or friends and savor the moment. read more

Hearst Ranch Winery - Sitting area for relaxing - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - San Simeon, California

The first time I visited the winery, it was stunning with the views. I had a great experience. I went last year and they were remodeling, so it wasn't what I wanted to do. I thoroughly enjoy the outside, so I decided to wait til the remodel was done. Fast forward to this year.... I had just been to Hearst Castle and had an amazing time and wanted to keep that going. I came to the winery and was so turned off. It looks nice inside. I do however miss the gift shop they used to have. I do like the new fire place and wine bar they set up. But when I come to a place as beautiful as this, I want to sit outside and enjoy a glass of wine with the incredible views this place offers. I walked in and they told me I couldn't sit outside because of the wind but I could go outside and look around. They also told me no that I couldn't have just one glass of wine I had to pay for a flight. I do enjoy flights, but just wasn't in the mood for one today, as I like the sweeter wines and mostly white wines. Most of the wines on the flight were red. I don't want to pay for a flight that I won't enjoy. I also find it funny that Mr. Hearst, I learned in the tour, was super fond of sweets and sweeter wine yet they don't offer any sweet wine. I just find that so odd. He liked his See's candy and sweet wines and praised people that brought him his sweets. I was told I could go outside and visit the beautiful outside, so I did. They had told me that I couldn't have the wine outside because of falling debris yet they let me go out there and walk. And then when I was out there, there was a woman sitting outside with her wine and only one glass. So two things they told me I could not do .....someone else was doing. I was just so turned off that we left. I miss the old winery and being able to just buy one glass. It's so crazy to me that they are turning away people wanting to spend money. I went in thinking I'll get one glass of wine to enjoy there and if I find one I like, a bottle or two to go. Instead, I walked out angry and disappointed. read more

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Perfect little spot to have a nice sandwich after a tour of the castle. We sat outside and enjoyed the beautiful weather, and a couple of dining guests, and bought a bottle of wine to take home. read more

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This was the most unique wine tasting experience we've ever had. We enjoyed the wine selection and the water view in San Simeon.

We were in the area this past Sunday and decided to stop by Sebastian's. Once inside, we were greeted promptly and told information about the shop, the food offerings, and Hearst Ranch Winery across the way. We didn't notice the winery before and decided to check it out after browsing the store. Upon entering the winery, we were greeted promptly. Place has a rustic vibe and had views of the ocean. Place was fairly busy We took seats at the wine counter and were told about the tasting experiences and food offerings. We opted to share a tasting. Food ordering was separate and later a person took our order. We ordered the fries but requested them extra crispy. Wines were pleasurable and staff was very friendly and informative. The food came out timely and was at the right temperature but were not extra crispy. Many of the fries were limp. I like this place and would return when in the area. read more

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When we drove up to the winery, it was not very welcoming. We actually went to a little market first, and then realized we missed the entrance to the winery. We parked and walked up the steps into the front door and were met by a very friendly receptionist/hostess. Tasting options were explained and we were seated outside in a beautiful courtyard under trees with an ocean front view. Our sommelier, Christina , was friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient. The wines were very diverse and enjoyable. Food offerings were abundant and delicious. Our server and chef was Armida, who was gregarious, good natured, and talented. We had coconut shrimp, shoestring french fries and then she brought us bacon wrapped, jalapeño, apricot glazed, jumbo shrimp -- gratis! Everything was perfectly cooked and delicious. We will definitely be back. read more

Hearst Ranch Winery - This is the entrance to the winery, although you wouldn't know that. It's not very welcoming. - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - San Simeon, California

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Absolutely amazing views, this location alone is worth a visit. Right on the water, you get to relax with some wine and they also allow you to bring in food from the market across the street (we did get sandwiches there and they were fantastic!). Both my partner and I had a flight here and thought the wine was good but not the best I've ever had. I did walk away with two bottles and I'd recommend it for the overall experience. read more

Hearst Ranch Winery - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - San Simeon, California

Wine tasting with a beachfront view? Yes, please! It didn't hurt that the wines were also excellent. Remodeled and the service was great. reservations suggested! read more

Hearst Ranch Winery...great wine, great service and great views. This spot checks all the boxes. Starting off the tasting flight of wine was a perfect mix of whites and reds. Our server was very knowledgeable about all the wines and entertaining at the same time. You can't beat the view overlooking the coast and everything about the place was a perfect spot for a great afternoon of wine tasting! read more

Hearst Ranch Winery - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - San Simeon, California

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Beautiful seaside winery! Reminds my husband and I of Gaia Winery in Santorini! We both loved the Chardonnay and the Cabernet sauvignon. Excellent service by the young lady who greeted us and the also host! Our sommelier, Renee was awesome! She took very good care of us. Despite some mixed up with our sommelier, Renee did an excellent job! Very relaxing ambiance! Even our dog enjoyed her nap while my husband and I were enjoying our wine and lunch! read more

Hearst Ranch Winery - The view from our table - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - San Simeon, California

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Beautiful views and the nicest wine guide. The charcuterie was amazing! Just a beautiful way to spend a day! We'll be back soon. Brooklyn was a sweetheart! read more

Hearst Ranch Winery - Yummy! - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - San Simeon, California

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A very relaxing and satisfying experience! Our tasting began with a complimentary rosé pour, then we were shown to our table. It was a sunny day with a light breeze and the panoramic ocean views was a fabulous addition. We opted for the proprietors reserve tasting and were pleased with each pour. Our server was attentive, but leisurely, not rushing us at any point in the tasting while not making us wait too long between each tasting. It is different from the last time I visited a few years ago. The inside of the tasting room changed and doesn't have as much souvenirs and it looks like they don't have a food counter anymore. The food truck also wasn't there this time. It would've been nice to know that the market across the way serves food to have with our tasting. Wonderful experience overall! We took home the proprietors Chardonnay and the point. read more

Hearst Ranch Winery - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - San Simeon, California

Have tasted here several times during past vacations to the area. There is no better setting for wine tasting than HRW; it's bayside. We tasted, did not eat. The food option was the deli. I'm not a big deli person; I prefer seated dining. We left with our six bottles of wine and drove down the road to Cavalier Coastal Kitchen; it was excellent. (Fish 'n' Chips and Fish Tacos) We visit the area once a year, generally speaking. When we next return, we will undoubtedly return to HRW for another seaside tasting experience. I'm a fan of the Three Sisters Cuvee and the Randolph. Why only four stars? Renee was, initially, really pushing hard for us to join the wine club. I don't like being pressured or feeling as if I'm being pressured. It took a beat but she finally got the message: Not gonna happen. After that, we settled in and had a grand time. read more

Beautiful tasting room and an even better outdoor seating area with dramatic views of the Pacific and the coast. Service was friendly and they accommodated both a seating request and a tasting of all white wines . We liked the rose and the petite Verdot the best. read more

Hearst Ranch Winery - Possibly the best situated winery in the state! - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - San Simeon, California

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Absolutely loved the ocean views from this winery. Comfortable seating , good wine and friendly staff. My family and I had came after the Hearst Castle Cottages and Kitchen tour and it was so much fun! read more

We've always enjoyed visiting Hearst Ranch Winery in the past, which made this experience even more disappointing. We stopped by on Wednesday, March 25, just before 4pm to celebrate our anniversary and were immediately turned away by a stressed employee who said they were too tired and understaffed to serve us. I mentioned it was our anniversary, but that was brushed off without any acknowledgment. We still bought a couple of bottles, and another employee kindly offered to book us for the next day. Unfortunately, the return visit on March 26 was even worse. We were seated with a server named Rene. When my wife asked if she could just order a glass of wine instead of doing a tasting, Rene sharply replied, "This is for tastings only." From there, the experience felt cold and unwelcoming. We were there for over 90 minutes and only saw Rene when she poured the next tasting. She would briefly read the wine description and leave--no conversation, no warmth, no interest in us as guests. None of the hospitality you expect (or that we had experienced here before). At the end, we waited a long time just to pay. I finally had to get up and track her down to check us out. The overall vibe has clearly changed--and not for the better. What used to feel like a welcoming, memorable winery experience now feels indifferent and transactional. After this, we won't be returning--and we wouldn't recommend it. Plenty of better wineries in the area that actually value their guests. read more

Had an amazing experience here! Their new approach to having their own kitchen and menu onsite along with suggested and pairings was outstanding!! Food was SO delicious I would drive here just to get the mushroom toast again :) We were hosted by Joseph and he was very knowledgeable and informative about the wines and the winery. Beautiful location and love that they are dog friendly. Will certainly be back! read more

Hearst Ranch Winery - 1/2 order of the cheese and charcuterie board - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - San Simeon, California

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Made reservations online. Great experience and the food from the deli next door was delicious! We are from socal and come up once a year. Our favorite winery. read more

Hearst Ranch Winery - Wine Tasting Room Near Me - San Simeon, California

Great wine with gorgeous ocean views. Super friendly and knowledgeable staff. Dog and kid friendly. Great place to stop off either before or after visiting Hearst Castle if you enjoy wine and amazing views! read more

Note: Hearst Winery is temporarily closed for renovations. The wine tastings have been moved to Sebastian's General Store. If I was to just review the food truck, it would be a 5/5. The service is amazing and the food is absolutely phenomenal. The burger patty is cooked medium-well just the way I like it. And the buffalo cauliflower tastes fresh and good. Unfortunately our wine tasting experience was not great. The service was a bit short. I heard the same server telling other people about their promotion but she failed to mention it to us. There was no back story on the grapes and where they grow them. We felt a bit of an outcast and unwelcomed when she did that. At the end when we were checking out, I asked her if we can keep the wine tasting glass and pay for the tastings if we don't want to get any bottles and she was a little puzzled. In typical wineries, if we don't purchase any bottles then we get to keep the wine tasting glass as long as we pay for the wine tastings. Not sure if I will come back. When I came here in 2019 my experience was phenomenal but now its a bit tainted. read more

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